Written by Parnall Law Firm reviewed by Bert Parnall Motorcycle Accidents Articles
Owner/CEO at Parnall Law Firm
As we approach late spring and summer, more and more motorcycles will be hitting the roads in New Mexico. A motorcycle allows the rider to feel a sense of freedom while riding and soak in picturesque surroundings. While this freedom is vital to the experience of riding, bikers must also remember that they are extremely vulnerable to serious harm if they are involved in an accident – especially one involving another vehicle that is attractive to bikers.
Certain roads in New Mexico are popular for motorcyclists, and some routes can be more hazardous than others. That’s why the Albuquerque motorcycle accident lawyers of Parnall Law have provided this list of popular New Mexico motorcycle routes and the dangers that motorcycle riders may face on them.
New Mexico has a significant number of highways and other roads that are attractive to bikers. MotorcycleRoads.com, a website dedicated to providing information about scenic routes, has three five-star-rated routes in our state.
DangerousRoads.org, a website that lists dangerous roads all over the world, notes that New Mexico State Road 567 in Taos County is an 11.7-mile stretch that includes asphalt and gravel sections. The website says that pictures do not do justice to “either just how steep this is, how sharp the hairpin turns are, or how narrow the road seems.”
Dangerous Roads also notes that conditions can change quickly and be harsh. Road closures are frequent, and riders should research conditions before they attempt to ride through this area.
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The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) lists 27 byways and trails on its list of scenic routes in the state:
While the popular roadways are some of the most attractive destinations, motorcycle accidents can occur on other lesser-known local roads in New Mexico as well. Keep in mind lane splitting is illegal in New Mexico.
Here is some more in-depth information about some popular motorcycle routes in the state.
The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is two hours from Santa Fe. It is a unique route that allows riders to explore New Mexico’s remote areas, stunning mountain views, and canyon land scenery.
The route loops around the wheeler park, the highest Mountain in New Mexico, going through the rugged terrain with fun twists and switchbacks.
Here’s how you can access the route:
Before leaving Taos, fill up your gas, water, and snacks, as there are a few places to refuel along the route.
Attractions along the route include Taos Pueblo, a city constructed by the Native Tiwa people between the 11th and 15th centuries. There are also opportunities to hike, bird watch, and shop for native wares in Eagle Nest.
The Sandia Crest Scenic Byway is a 17-mile route that climbs the eastern slope of the Sandia Mountains with an extended series of tight switchbacks to the end of an elevated mile above the city lights of Albuquerque.
The route is paved and open all year round. You may see some wildlife species, including mule deer, black bear, golden eagles, and Rocky Mountain bighorn.
You can access the route by taking NM-536 W to Sandia Crest. Enjoy elevated views of Cibola National Forest. Sudden showers are possible, so pack rain gear.
Commence your journey at Silver City and take Route 15 north, approximately 45 miles, to Gila Cliff Dwelling National Monument. Consider fueling before leaving because just a few gas stations are available along the route.
The views of Route 15 are incredible as the altitude keeps rising. The route allows you to ride through mountain forests of aspen, cliffs, and desert cactus fields. At the end of the ride, you have the golden opportunity to visit cliff dwellings in the park.
Donning protective gear is a highly effective way to protect yourself while exploring New Mexico routes. Wearing an appropriate helmet, gloves, pants, jacket, or boots reduces the impact of falls and collisions on your body.
Helmet use has proved effective in reducing the risk of death by 42 percent and head injury by 69 percent for riders who crash. More importantly, choose protective gear that fits you properly and complies with applicable safety standards like the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.
You’ll need defensive riding skills to anticipate and navigate potential hazards on the road. Defensive riding skills reduce the risk of being involved in a crash and the maintenance cost of the resulting crash.
Here are a few defensive riding skills:
You should be self-aware when riding on New Mexico roads. Be aware of your capabilities, including speed limits. For instance, refrain from driving if you’re currently taking medication.
Most importantly, take periodic breaks to avoid fatigue-related accidents.
Following traffic rules and regulations is another way to protect yourself and other riders in New Mexico motorcycle riding routes. Pay attention to prescribed speed limits, turn signals, and traffic lights as you navigate the roads.
Motorcycle riders are vulnerable on the road and must position themselves effectively to enhance their visibility and allow ample space to maneuver.
If you’re riding as a group, the first rider should position themselves in the left lane. The rest of the group should stagger in alternating left and right positions. Most importantly, be aware of your environment by constantly scanning for threats.
Several hazards are unique to riders, making them more vulnerable to road accidents than other drivers.
Keep the following hazards in mind whenever enjoying a ride on New Mexico routes:
Whenever it rains, roads become rain-soaked and have significantly less traction than dry surfaces. Because of this reduced traction, wet or slippery roads increase the risk of road accidents.
A rider of a two-wheeled motorcycle is susceptible to losing grip and control on a slippery surface. Wet roads and slippery surfaces increase the braking distance, exposing riders to a risk of accidents.
Road debris also puts riders at risk of falls and collisions. Common debris includes rocks, tree branches, and vehicle debris. Riders should continuously monitor the condition of the road and reduce their speed to navigate road debris safely.
The scenic views of New Mexico routes can easily distract drivers, leading to head-on or side-impact collisions. Familiar sources of distractions include driving and texting, grooming, navigating the GPS, and taking on the phone.
Be ready to make a split-second decision because a distracted driver can expose you to danger.
You’ll encounter many uneven roads while exploring the scenic views in the remote sections of New Mexico. Since motorcycles are inherently less stable than four-wheeled vehicles, bumpy roads can disrupt contact between tires and the road.
The loss of traction can impede braking, acceleration, or navigating sharp turns, increasing the risk of skidding or toppling.
Inexperienced drivers threaten motorcycle riders and other road users in New Mexico. They may forget to check before changing lanes, entering an intersection, making a left turn, or merging onto a highway.
Observing speed limits, regular vehicle maintenance, and being alert can help avoid accidents associated with inexperienced drivers. The three-second rule, which promotes a safe following distance, can protect you from rear-end collisions.
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Did you sustain catastrophic injuries or was your loved one killed in a motorcycle crash in New Mexico? If you are overwhelmed by medical bills and lost wages, you should know that a personal injury lawyer can work to help you seek damages for those and other losses.
Parnall Law handles motorcycle accident cases and other personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis. You do not have to worry about paying us anything unless and until you receive a monetary award.
Call us or contact us online now to receive a free consultation.
Bertrand Russell Parnall is an Albuquerque native, salutatorian of the Class of 1988 at Albuquerque High School, and co-captain of the district football champion Bulldogs. He earned his undergraduate degree from Rice University with a double major in history and French, and his law degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law after coming home to Albuquerque.
Years of Experience: 27+ years
Justia Profile: Bert Parnall
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Bertrand Russell Parnall who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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